Great Otway National Park

The Great Otway National Park incorporates the former Otway National Park and Angahook-Lorne, Carlisle and Melba Gully State Parks, as well as areas of State forest and other Crown land. The new national park covers 103,000 hectares, an increase in park area of more than 60,000 hectares. This park represents all that is special about the Otways: the tall wet forests, ancient rainforests, the drier forests of the inland slopes and the very diverse heathlands and woodlands, fringed by a spectacularly rugged coastline and studded with some of Victoria's most striking waterfalls and other attractions.

Things to Do

Walking

Whether it is an afternoon stroll with the whole family, or a challenging multi-day hike there is something to suit everyone. Separate brochures are available from local Visitor Information Centres with details on the variety of walks available.

Stevenson's Falls The walking track, which has recently been re-opened, begins at the campground and meanders along the edge of the Gellibrand River to the day visitor area. From here the walking track crosses the river and heads through the stands of Douglas Fir Trees. It then heads down to the edge of the river into indigenous riparian vegetation where you can hear the distant roar of the falls. The walking track ends at a newly constructed viewing platform at the base of Stevenson's Falls.

Triplet Falls Triplet Falls is one of the iconic visitor sites in the Great Otway National Park and it has recently been reopened to visitors after a two million dollar redevelopment. This beautiful waterfall, set amongst tall mountain ash, blackwoods, myrtle beech and towering ferns, now has a new two kilometre loop walk with raised boardwalks and viewing platforms. This takes visitors into previously unexplored parts of this ancient forest and provides new and unique views into the lower cascades and the majestic main falls. A small picnic area is also available for visitors to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounds.

Moggs Creek Circuit 1.8km, 30 mins An interesting walk that follows the creek down through the valley, and then climbs to a vantage point over the creeks fern-lined banks before returning to the picnic area

Great Ocean Walk

One of the World's Great Walks The Great Ocean Walk, on Victoria's spectacular west coast, stretches 91 kms from the idyllic resort town of Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead (adjacent to the 12 Apostles). It passes through the beautiful National Park and overlooks the Marine National Park.

The walk has been designed so that walkers can 'step on and step off' the trail at a number of places, completing short, day or overnight hikes. Enjoy local accommodation and restaurants or camp overnight at picturesque camping sites.

>>Parks Victoria is developing an electronic booking service for the GOW Hike - in campsites. This booking system will be operational for this year's walking season commencing October/November. >>There will be a fee for use of the campsites for this walking season. This fee has yet to be finalised. >>We are currently not taking bookings for October onwards but will take your name and contact details information regarding the booking system and fees to be forwarded to you as soon as they are finalised and rolled out. This information will not be used for any other purpose. Callers that do not wish to leave their details are free to contact us in late September to assess the situation.

Horse riding & mountain biking

Experience and enjoy the natural environment on horse back or on a mountain bike. A permit is required for horse riders to ride in the National Park and Parks Victoria staff can assist you with this. The formed roads and tracks provide ideal trails for these active endeavours.

The 12km mountain bike loop linking West Barwon Reservoir and Lake Elizabeth is suitable for mountain bikers with moderate levels of fitness and experience. There are excellent camping opportunities throughout the Parks. Whether you are looking for a family friendly place to park your caravan or a solitary night under the stars there's something to cater to every need.

Picnicking and Camping

Picnic opportunities abound, with lovely settings at many of the waterfalls as well as Blanket Leaf, Sheoak, Distillery Creek, Moggs Creek, Paradise, Melba Gully, Shelly Beach, Triplet Falls, Stevenson's Falls and Blanket Bay to name a few.

Fishing and hunting

A number of watercourses that flow through the parks, as well as the coastline, provide great opportunities if you are keen on fishing.The Gellibrand River's upper waters are popular with anglers seeking blackfish and trout, as well as Black Bream near Princetown. Fishing is not permitted in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries. Check separate marine parknotes for activity/boundary guidelines. To fish, adults generally require a Victorian Amateur Fishing Licence, available from the Department of Primary Industries at www.dpi.vic.gov.au, or your local fishing and sports store.

Game hunting is undertaken by more than 30,000 licensed hunters in Victoria and is managed and administered here by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and enforced by their authorised officers. You are not permitted to carry a firearm or ammunition in the Great Otway National Park. For further information on local designated hunting areas please contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Call 136 186

Information for this National Park has been supplied courtesy of Parks Victoria